Members that voted against Democrats facing threats

Member at the Election Commission (EC) Ali Nashaath on Monday stated that following the publicizing of the names of members that voted against granting approval to register The Democrats – a new political party, they were now facing threats and intimidation.

Both member Nashaath and member Mohamed Asif voted against granting approval, citing that the necessary procedures were not completed in verifying the membership forms.

During an emergency convening of EC was held on Sunday; prompted by the visit from The Democrats’ officials.  Four members attended the convening, while member Dr Mohamed Zahir was unable to attend.

Members of The Democrats who had refused to leave, and expressed their concerns were met by President of EC Fuad Thaufeeq.

While speaking with them, Fuad identified those who voted for and against approving the registration request.

Both members that voted against proposed to recheck the forms by a five-member committee, and stated that this was based on suspicious behaviour from Fuad’s side.

However, instead of asking for a vote for this proposal at the last night’s convening, a vote was asked regarding awarding the permit to form the party.

According to Nashaath that permit to register the party will be provided to The Democrats as soon as the process is completed.

Nashath, further noted that the present policy requires the forms to be entered into the system, and reasoned that he voted against awarding the permit, as they have not been entered into the system after confirming the witnesses.

Pictures of Nashaath and Asif are being shared on social media, along with threats.

Expressing concerns over this, Nashaath said that along with him, his family has also received threats, and was hence living in fear.

“Now I don’t have protection even with the commission. Even yesterday about forty people just entered into the commission and remained there after hours.”

He further said details of how the commissions decisions were made should not be shared, nor should it be described as decisions made by individual members. He said that when the majority comes to a decision, it is not one made by any single member, but rather by the entire commission.

“I am scared to even go to the office because of the action of the (EC) President.”

Nashaath said that he wants to ensure is protection and safety in this matter, and added he was currently exploring the legal options available.

Supporters of the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s leader Mohamed Nasheed defected from the party to form The Democrats after major disagreements with the supporters of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the government.

The Democrats planning to contest the presidential elections once they are formed.

Although Nasheed is behind the formation of the party, he has yet to resign from MDP.